There’s nothing quite like an elegant black-tie gala where the guests dress to impress. Such was the case at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal recently as the Torriani family hosted a pull-out-all-the-stops gala to celebrate the hotel’s 100th anniversary.

This gorgeous fete was one hot ticket and perhaps one of the parties of the year. It was an impeccably selected guest list that included lots of very important (and very stylish) luminaries, looking fabulous and playing the part.

Why so fabulous you ask? Part of the reason may have been that the guests of honour were Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who were at the hotel to inaugurate the luxurious Royal Suite, renamed the Grimaldi Suite. How fitting!

The night started with cocktails with the royal couple, who were kind enough to speak with anyone who approached. After lots of air-kissing and general gushing, everyone got down to the lovely business of Champagne sipping: Magnums of Veuve Cliquot were chilled and at the ready all night long.

The dinner was held in the hotel’s historic Oval Room, which was one of the prettiest rooms I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. The lighting and over-the-top florals were done to perfection. The menu, prepared by superstar Daniel Boulud himself, included lobster salad, duo de boeuf expertly paired with Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino wine, coulant au chocolat caramel and artisanal Quebec cheeses.

Bright lights celebrating along with the royal couple included The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney and Mila Mulroney;Galen Weston Sr. and The Honourable Hilary Weston; cosmetics giant Lise Watier; L’Oréal’s Javier San Juan and wife Constanza; as well as singer Mitsou Gélinas.

After performances by Nikki Yanokfsy and the Canadian Tenors, revellers took the party to the rooftop for an after-party like no other. The hotel’s brand-new rooftop pool, where stunning views of Montreal’s midnight skyline could be seen, was the perfect backdrop for partying and entertainment that included Cirque de Soleil and an electric harpist who played for guests into the wee hours.

“The Ritz-Carlton Montreal reflects upon 100 years of service, luxury and dedication to its guests,” Andrew Torriani enthused. “We look forward to welcoming generations of families from Montreal and all over the world for years to come.”

And a trip that is well worth it as this is one of, if not the most beautiful hotel in Canada, with service to match.